Is Woodburn Safe, Pros and cons of living in Woodburn

Woodburn, Oregon, offers a unique blend of community spirit and accessible amenities, making it a compelling option for those considering a move to the Pacific Northwest. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this city provides a diverse cultural landscape and a growing economic base. It’s a place where residents can find both the tranquility of a smaller town and the conveniences of a larger metropolitan area nearby.

The city’s strategic location and developing infrastructure contribute to its appeal. Woodburn is part of the Salem metropolitan area, offering residents proximity to larger urban centers while maintaining its own distinct identity. This balance allows for a lifestyle that can accommodate various preferences, from those seeking a close-knit community to those who desire access to a wider range of employment and recreational opportunities.

Is it Safe to Live in Woodburn?

Woodburn’s overall crime rate is currently 1% above the national average, earning it a safety grade of C as of 2026 (DoorProfit). Residents face an approximate 1 in 270 chance of being a victim of violent crime annually and a 1 in 47 chance for property crime. The city has a higher crime rate than 68% of major U.S. cities (DoorProfit). However, it’s important to note that safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within Woodburn (DoorProfit).

When examining specific crime statistics, the estimated violent crime rate in Woodburn is 370.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% lower than the national average (DoorProfit). Conversely, the estimated property crime rate is 2,145.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 17% higher than the national average (DoorProfit). Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Woodburn (DoorProfit).

Some areas within Woodburn are considered safer than others, with residents often citing the south part of the city as the safest (CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 21 in the east neighborhoods to 1 in 38 in the south (CrimeGrade.org). While the city’s overall crime rate is slightly above the national average, specific neighborhoods offer a more secure environment (CrimeGrade.org).

Demographics and Diversity

Woodburn is home to an estimated population of 27,875 residents as of the latest Census data, representing a slight increase from the 2020 Census figure of 26,013 (Census Dots). The city’s population is notably diverse, with 61.4% identifying as Hispanic, 33.7% as White, and smaller percentages identifying as Multiracial, Asian, Native American/Other, and Black (Census Dots).

The demographic makeup of Woodburn is more diverse than the state of Oregon overall, particularly in its higher proportion of Hispanic residents. Woodburn ranks seventh statewide for the percentage of Hispanic residents (Census Dots). In 2024, approximately 34.1% of Woodburn residents were born outside the country, indicating a significant immigrant population (Data USA).

The median age in Woodburn is around 30 years old, with a substantial portion of the population under the age of 18 (Wikipedia). This age distribution suggests a community with a mix of families and younger adults. Poverty is a concern for a portion of the population, with 16.3% living below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average (Data USA).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Woodburn is approximately 12% higher than the national average and 4% higher than the average city in Oregon (ERI Economic Research Institute). This is largely driven by housing costs, which are about 4.5% higher than the national average (Salary.com).

The median home value in Woodburn is around $425,248, showing a slight increase over the past year (Zillow). For those considering renting, the average rent in Woodburn is approximately $1,893 per month, which is lower than the national average rent (Zillow; RentCafe). Rent prices can range significantly, with houses typically renting between $1,250 and $3,000 (Trulia).

Monthly expenses for a single person in Woodburn are estimated at $2,635, while a family of four can expect to spend around $5,802 per month (Salary.com). These figures reflect higher costs in areas such as energy, transportation, and healthcare, which are about 14.4% higher than the U.S. average (Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

As of 2023, Woodburn is home to nearly 1,000 businesses employing approximately 12,000 individuals (City of Woodburn Economic Opportunities Analysis). The largest employment sectors in Woodburn are retail, agriculture, and healthcare, with significant contributions from tourism and manufacturing (City of Woodburn Economic Opportunities Analysis).

The average annual salary in Woodburn is reported to be around $42,998, with an hourly equivalent of approximately $20.67 (ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary of $67,025 annually, or $32 per hour (ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Woodburn was reported as $67,347 (U.S. Census Bureau). The unemployment rate in Woodburn was 5% in 2026 (Data Commons).

Major employers in Woodburn include a significant Amazon fulfillment center, which is one of the largest buildings in Oregon and is expected to create over 2,000 jobs (YouTube). Other prominent companies with a presence in Woodburn include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Starbucks, reflecting a diverse range of employment opportunities (Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather

Woodburn experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, relatively dry summers and cool, wet winters (myPerfectWeather). The average temperature ranges from a low of 35°F in December to a high of 84°F in July (myPerfectWeather).

Annual snowfall is minimal, typically around 5 inches, occurring mostly during the winter months (myPerfectWeather). The city receives a significant amount of precipitation, with an average of 43 inches annually, and December is usually the wettest month (myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels are generally comfortable throughout the year (myPerfectWeather).

The summer months, from June to August, offer warm temperatures and ample sunshine, with average highs between 47.8°F and 81.7°F (18.8°C and 27.6°C) (Weather & Climate). Winter, from December to February, brings colder temperatures, ranging between 34.5°F (1.4°C) and 48°F (8.9°C), along with the highest rainfall (Weather & Climate).

Education and Schools

Woodburn School District serves the city’s student population, with approximately 5,275 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (Niche). The student-teacher ratio is 18 to 1 (Niche).

State test scores indicate that about 10% of students are proficient in math and 17% are proficient in reading within the Woodburn School District (Niche). The district’s overall Niche grade is a C minus (Niche). Top-ranked public schools in Woodburn include William P Lord High School, Woodburn of Art Science and Technology, and Woodburn Arts and Communications Academy (Niche).

Woodburn High School, serving grades 9-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 (Niche). Test scores at Woodburn High School show that only 7% of students are proficient in math and 31% in reading (Niche). The school’s performance is considered lower than the state average in standardized test scores (SchoolDigger).